1996 St. Francis Merlot

(Sonoma): Dark garnet color- not even a hint of purple, all of which are reflected in a slightly oxidative nose. Coconut, chocolate, and dill (sure signs of American oak) lead the aroma pack, with some plums and olives bringing up the rear. The usual soft merlot texture yields to a sharp spike of tannin on the finish. I suppose this is a decent domestic merlot, but it doesn’t ring my chimes. I hate to encourage this sort of thing, but it might go well with pizza.

SY (3/99)